English Language Partners is proud to assist in the fight against COVID-19, and of course, is displaying the COVID Tracer QR code posters in all our centres around the country.

Recently, the staff at ELP Hutt realised that many of the centre’s English language learners were unsure how to use the app, so developed a lesson around its use.

Centre staff gave instructions on downloading the app and practising signing in on the QR code. Some learners had the app but took photos instead of scanning the poster, so it was a useful learning experience for them. Staff and students alike learned that knowing about it was so different to actually using it!

Everyone was so excited and supported each other to download and use the app, and there was clapping and cheers when others succeeded in getting the green tick! The learners were so proud once they were able to do it. They were even able to show other family members!

In total that day, around 25 to 30 learners signed up on the COVID app. The drill went on for 2.5 hours across the classes so we discovered it’s important to allow lots of time for this and have WiFi available. Although some learners didn’t have emails or phones, it was still a worthwhile exercise and yet another way that newcomers to New Zealand can participate in a safe and caring community.